The Washington Post is questioning why the Trump administration is continuing to pursue its latest travel ban.

"Once again, the courts have blocked President (Donald) Trump's travel ban from going into effect," the Post said in an editorial. "It is hard not to feel a sense of deja vu as the government promises for the third time to appeal the rulings halting the latest iteration of the president's order, watered down from his original 'Muslim ban' but still equally pointless."

Trump's third travel ban was scheduled to go into effect on Wednesday, the Post noted. It would limit entry in to the U.S. from Iran, Libya, Syria, Yeman, Somalia, Chad and North Korea. It also would deny selected Venezuelan government officials from coming into the U.S.

"On Tuesday afternoon, a federal judge based in Hawaii stopped the ban from taking effect, with the exception of the provisions targeting Venezuela and North Korea," the Post said. "A federal judge in Maryland followed suit on Wednesday, blocking enforcement of the ban as applied to travelers with 'bona fide' ties to the United States."

The newspaper noted the Justice Department has vowed to appeal both court rulings.

"But why appeal?" the Post asked. "Just what is it that the government is battling so fiercely to defend? As both judges noted, the administration has failed to provide any evidence that nationality has anything to do with the security threat an individual poses."

It noted the ban alienates people and doesn't achieve a thing. But it said the administration might still be successful in eventually overturning the rulings.

"But at this point, what is there to salvage except for Mr. Trump's pride?" the paper said. "His wisest move for the administration would be to let the ban fade away."